Caledonia Child Predator Pleads Guilty To Sexually Exploiting Minors

Friday, February 7, 2025, 12:30 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

GRAND RAPIDS, MI.- On Wednesday, a 41-year-old Caledonia, Michigan, man and child predator learned he will be facing up to 90 years in federal prison when sentenced after pleading guilty to multiple counts of sexually exploiting children.

     On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, Scott Michael Elam, 41, of Caledonia, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan and pleaded guilty to three counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. 

     Following entering his guilty plea on Wednesday, a U.S. District Court Judge accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for May 29, 2025. At that time, Elam faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 90 years in federal prison.

     According to Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge, Elam was taken into custody and indicted in November 2024 on seven counts of sexually exploiting four different children.

Charging Information Unsealed In The Inditement

     According to the charging information unsealed in the indictment, Elam recorded himself having sexual intercourse with one of the children on different occasions and directed the other victims to take sexually explicit photos and videos of themselves and then send them to him.

     Elam supplied alcohol, marijuana, vapes, and other contraband to the children. Elam charged money for each of the contraband and offered to lower the price for minors who created and provided sexually explicit videos of themselves or engage in illicit sexual conduct with him.

     “Today’s plea by Scott Elam highlights the FBI’s unwavering commitment to holding sexual predators accountable and safeguarding our most vulnerable citizens,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Michigan. “Mr. Elam’s abhorrent criminal acts against minors are utterly indefensible, and such behavior is not acceptable. I am deeply grateful for the relentless dedication and tireless efforts of the men and women of the FBI in Michigan, including the West Michigan-based Child Exploitation Task Force, our partners at the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the successful prosecution in the Western District of Michigan. The FBI in Michigan remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to investigate, disrupt, and bring to justice any individuals who prey on our children.”